Brief Update on Our Progress

Transcription

1 TO: FR: RE: Congregation of Clarendon Presbyterian Church CPC Mission Discernment Team Update on Discernment Process and Results to Date DATE: April 14, 2018 As you know, Clarendon Presbyterian Church began a mission discernment process in late February of this year, with the aim of providing recommendations to Session in early May. We have completed several key steps in this process, and, most recently, we finished conducting one-on-one interviews with many of you. With results from this work in hand, we re now ready to turn our attention outward and begin talking with people who represent organizations that work in the mission/outreach areas of strongest interest to you and that align with our mission. These interviews will help us identify gaps in existing services where CPC s gifts, talents, energy and resources might be leveraged to provide additional support and help address unmet needs in our community. But first, we d like to provide you with an overview of the information that we ve gathered to date, including the results from recent interviews with members. Brief Update on Our Progress Since late February, we conducted a literature review about church mission discernment and developed a process for CPC to follow. We shared this process with Session during a facilitated meeting, and we informed the CPC congregation during worship service in early March. We formed a mission discernment team, which includes David Ensign, James Fisher, John Gunn, Ahna Olson, Travis Reindl, and Peg True. The team met in March and identified CPC s strengths and current capabilities and we reviewed the history of our church. We then gathered and reviewed extensive demographic and consumer data to describe the composition of people living in the Clarendon community, and we looked for trends in Arlington that are related to our mission. We also held a six-week Lenten Study Group, open to all, to facilitate small-group discussions about mission discernment at CPC, and we designed a survey to learn about your perceptions of CPC and gauge your levels of interest in CPC pursuing new mission and outreach programs. We reached out to essentially every household in our congregation, and we completed interviews with 70 percent of our members. 1

2 Review of the Givens at CPC We began by identifying the existing givens of our church and congregation. In the journey of faith, we learn to recognize the events of our lives as coming from God, and as vital clues to our mission and the answer to the question, Why are we here? The mission discernment team and Lenten Study Group considered our church community's current circumstances (e.g., size, age, culture, location, physical attributes), and we learned the following: Our building and location is a key asset. Located two blocks from metro and major bus lines, CPC is located in a desirable, densely populated urban neighborhood in Arlington that experienced dramatic change and growth during the past 10 years. Our building is well-managed, well-maintained (albeit some elements need to be updated), we re financially sound, and our tenants and rental property (Dill House) provide a reliable source of income. Currently, we do not utilize all of our space fully throughout the week. Our congregation is relatively small, with approximately 65 active members and an average attendance of 50 at Sunday worship services. We are an active, mission-engaged congregation with an impact through a variety of outreach programs that s far greater than our size would indicate. Friendly and welcoming, we re a mostly English-speaking, Anglo community, generally politically progressive, relatively affluent, highly educated and intellectual, leaning toward being more introverted than extraverted. We re multigenerational, most members are married or partnered, one-third are LGBTQ (mostly gay), and we re diverse in terms of origin of belief approximately 50 percent were raised Presbyterian; 50 percent are from other denominations/faiths. Our worship service is firmly rooted in our Presbyterian heritage but also includes a wide variety of participatory elements not seen as often in more traditional worshipping communities. We hold worship services on Sundays, offer Sunday school for children, feature a strong music program, and the element of creativity in our worship is very high at CPC compared to other mainline churches. Our minister is provocative and worship services routinely challenge our thinking about our role as Christians in the world, which is at the core of what people expect at our worship services. We wrestle with difficult topics and we re not afraid to engage with the issues of the day. Highlights of Our Strengths We identified our strengths to discern what feels "natural" to us and to determine if any of our strengths are unique or distinctive when compared to other churches in our community. The mission discernment team and Lenten Study Group named the following strengths: Our congregation is a huge asset. We possess a wide range of talents and interests (e.g., cooks, musicians, athletes, writers, artists, carpenters, teachers). We are willing to speak truth to power and have an orientation toward rocking the boat. And we re willing to have a debate and step forward to challenge ourselves, too. Most members have a 2

3 deep commitment to CPC and its survival and growth. We are welcoming and inviting, and a safe place for difficult conversations. We have a healthy organizational culture people respect one another and manage conflict civilly. We get along well, our gatherings are joyful, and we enjoy being together. We have a clarity of purpose a deep commitment to marginalized groups. We are a resilient congregation that overcomes adversities. And we can organize quickly to make something happen or respond to changing events or opportunities. Generally, we don t get bogged down with process. Our church organization is well-managed by a great staff. We re stable, financially sound, and we have good relationships with our tenants, other groups that use our space, and neighboring Presbyterian churches. Our music directors are talented and creative. Our Pastor is intellectual and delivers sermons that are provocative, challenging our thinking and helping us understand how to respond to the world around us. Our worship space is welcoming, attractive, adaptable, and large enough to be used for a variety of functions, limited only by parking. We re in a great location accessible, convenient, desirable, thriving, and with a dense population that provides a constant pool of potentially new attendees to church. Our amount of space fits our size, and it s not too much space for us to maintain. Key Milestones in Our History (since 1960s) One way we discern vocation is to simply look at what we have "found ourselves" doing. Our history gives us strong clues. So we explored the history of CPC, especially its engagement with neighbors and our community. Here are highlights of key milestones: 1960s: CPC experiences growth in youth ministry and social justice activities. CPC actively supports the Poor People s Campaign, supports civil rights, and becomes active in Fair Housing initiatives in D.C. and Arlington County. 1970s: CPC begins housing St Coletta s school for severely disabled children, which in continues through the 1990 s. 1980s: Madeline Jervis becomes Pastor. Relationship between congregants and pastor becomes less hierarchal and more casual. CPC offers space to Whitman Walker Clinic for AIDS support groups and welcomes individuals suffering from the disease. CPC works with six other Arlington churches to create a systematic approach for gathering food for the homeless and those with food insecurities, which evolves into AFAC Arlington Food Assistance Center. Membership dips to a low point. 3

4 1990s: CPC begins inviting members of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance to church. CPC elects first gay Presbyterian Elder to Session in Virginia (Ron Bookbinder). CPC officially becomes a More Light congregation in Membership begins to grow, with more gay people and young families joining. 2000s: David Ensign becomes Pastor. The Marriage policy is instituted in 2005, where David agrees to perform religious blessings (of marriages and same-sex unions) but will not function as an agent of the state, because the state does not permit gay marriage. This policy generates a lot of publicity and notoriety (Washington Post, Associated Press), and we receive s, phone calls, death threats, and money from all over the country. Membership continues to grow. CPC continues to be politically liberal, concerned with issues of social justice, LGBT accepting and friendly, and religiously accepting and ecumenical. 2010s: CPC creates a new ministry model in 2012 and the Pastor s position becomes part-time to create funds for additional part-time staff. CPC hires Tom Nichols and Dan Chadburn as music directors in 2013 and they re-energize the music program. Justin Ritchie steps in for two years ( ) and adds his own creative energy. Tom and Dan return in 2017 and begin a team approach to staffing the music program. In 2013, Susan Graceson joins CPC as Christian Educator and leaves after a two-year tenure that saw significant growth in the children s ministry. Also in 2013, CPC fills the office administrator position, and Beth Trent joins CPC in CPC renovates its sanctuary space in The variety of mission and outreach programs expands significantly. Highlights from Demographic Review We gathered and reviewed demographic and consumer information to learn more about our neighbors and the Clarendon community surrounding our church (the ZIP code). Here s what we learned: There are 36,496 people (an increase of 29% over past 10 years) comprising 19,521 households (an increase of 26.71% over past 10 years). Most residents are White (79%), age (32%), (21%), or (10%). Only 2 percent of residents are age The median age in Clarendon is The median household income is $135,850, with an average household income of $171,771. More than one-quarter of households earn $200,000 or more (28%). A much smaller number of households earn less than $50,000 (13%) and 4 percent of households (740) live below the poverty level. The average household size in the Clarendon community is 1.84 people. (The U.S. national average is 3.14 people per household, according the U.S. Census.) 4

5 Nearly half of the households in the Clarendon community consist of one person (47%). Of those with two or more people (53%), the majority are non-family households (68%), followed by husband-wife or spouse-spouse families (26%), and households with their own children (9%). The majority of housing units in Clarendon are rentals (65%). The most recent report of house sales in the ZIP indicates the median sale price as $980,000 (Washington Post, April 2018). The median home price in Virginia is $246,300 (Zillow). And the median home price is the United States is $188,900 (National Association of Realtors). Businesses in the Clarendon community are considered professional, scientific, legal and/or tech services (15%, with 5,338 employees); health care and social assistance (9%); food services and drinking places (8%); retail trade (9%); real estate, rental and leasing (7%); and other services (11%). According to the Landscape Segmentation System, the national neighborhood-based market segmentation system (which is not specific to Arlington), the vast majority of residents in Clarendon (74%) belong to the Apprentices segment. Apprentices neighborhoods are highly urban and populated with a single-by-choice-orcircumstances demographic group. They are dominated by single people in their 20s and low-30s without children, who are living alone primarily because they ve never been married. Apprentices rank at almost three-times-the-national-average in non-family households. These overwhelmingly college-educated residents generate incomes from white-collar management and professional occupations that are well above the national average for their group. As a group (nationally), they enjoy VH1 television and alternative radio, attending rock concerts, playing pool, and traveling to Italy, the U.S. Northeast, and other international and domestic locations several times per year. They have a propensity for compact-size vehicles, computers, and Internet activity, and they enjoy video rentals of foreign films, classics, and science fiction. Their highest-ranking line item is eating out ranking nearly four-and-a-quarter-times the national average. Review of Community Trends We conducted Internet searches for news related to a variety of keywords aligned with CPC s mission and outreach programs, such as: homeless, homelessness, hunger, low income, gay, LGBT, LGBTQ, human rights, immigration, immigrants, Hispanic, affordable housing, trends, Arlington trends, social justice Arlington, etc. Here are some of the recent articles we found: 5

6 In Arlington, More Donations to Help Immigrants Afford Citizenship Fees. (March 6, 2018, The Washington Post) Arlington s Office Vacancy Rate Could Mean Budget Cuts, Layoffs. The Department of Human Services would lose the most employees. (February 22, 2018, The Washington Post) Bill Banning Virginia Sanctuary Cities Advances on 7-6 Vote. (February 27, 2018, The Washington Post) For Low-Wage School Workers, Lessons in Survival. (January 28, 2018, the Washington Post) Millennial Takes the Helm as Arlington County Board Chairman. (January 2, 2018, The Washington Post) Tucked Inside Wealthy Northern Virginia are Pockets of Poverty, Report Says. (November 28, 2017, The Washington Post) Arlington Leads in LGBT Equality, Says New Report. (November 13, 2017, Voice of America (VOA) Home Sales Prices Continue to Skyrocket in Northern Virginia. (October 2017, Northern Virginia Realtors Association) Clarity Needed for Transgender Students. (September 1, 2017, The Washington Post) ICE Activity in Virginia Spikes Under Trump. (May 4, 2017, InsideNOVA) DC Area s Immigrant Population Nearly Doubles. (February 17, 2017, WTOP) New 12-story Apartment Building in Arlington to Target Low- and Middle-Income Renters. (February 14, 2017, The Washington Post) Arlington s Homeless Population Down 64 Percent Over Past Three Years. (April 6, 2016, ArlNow) Overview of Results from CPC Member Interviews During one-on-one interviews with 70 percent of CPC members, we learned that our congregation has an extremely favorable perception of our church, it is very committed to seeing our church thrive in the future, and strong interest exists in pursuing new mission and outreach 6

7 programs especially those that are responsive to today s political climate and to marginalized groups. A majority of members describe CPC as welcoming (27% said this), friendly (22%), inclusive (18%), accepting (13%), progressive (13%), active (11%), and/or committed (11%). (Many also offered a wide variety of additional words to describe CPC.) Most often, members first began coming to Clarendon Presbyterian because they were looking for a diverse and accepting church, and/or they were looking for a church nearby in the neighborhood, and/or they were looking for a Presbyterian Church. A small number of members first came to CPC because a current member suggested that they come. Interestingly, CPC is the opposite of most churches in this regard. Today, most new attendees at other churches come via referrals by family and friends. A majority of members say CPC is different from other churches in the way that it s accepting of everyone, nonjudgmental, and open to new ideas. For example, The level of inclusiveness and the welcoming nature is far beyond what I ve ever experienced. There s no judgement. I think really accepting people where they are, whether they have doubts, or if they can t come regularly, or whatever they need. Clarendon is very good about meeting people where they are and letting them follow their own faith journey without a lot of expectations. There s no pressure or guilt to do more. People are accepted where they are, as they are. It s more than just church on Sunday morning. It s a true community based on real life and experience as opposed to just rules and being told what do. It fits with the times. It s not proscriptive. It s openly accepting and welcoming to EVERYONE. Many members say CPC is different from other churches because it s worship services and sermons are more provocative and intellectual. For example, The preaching sets us apart. There is a thoughtfulness and conviction that you just don t see in many other places. Clarendon is a teaching congregation, leading us along to change the way we think about scripture, the world. Intelligent worship. It s not structured or the same every week. 7

8 We are intelligent our sermons and the way we conduct our worship is based on intelligent thinking, and a wide variety of source materials. The minister doesn t talk down to us. He challenges our thinking. Approach to scripture is academic. History behind stories and insights and perspective. Other churches you just get preached a sermon. David s sermons help us understand how to respond to situations in the world around us. I ve never gotten that type of practical interpretation of scripture in another church. Similarly, many members say CPC is different from other churches because it s more focused on social justice. For example, Clarendon stands in places where other people are not comfortable standing. And we are comfortable standing for others that many are not comfortable standing for, We are more political than other congregations are willing to be. I have never been with a church that is so passionate about issues and willing to be involved with them. If you re visiting Clarendon, you know right away where we stand on social justice. Clarendon has a pretty significant history of putting their money where their mouth is and really advocating for social issues when it is not the easy thing to do. A smaller number of members say that it s the caring community at CPC that sets it apart from other churches. For example, There s a kind of coziness in the community. It s more tight-knit than any other church I ve been to. And it s not just the size. I ve been to other small churches, and they re not like Clarendon. I see us as being a real family, people at all the different stages of life. And I see a lot of love and support for everybody. You re not anonymous. People will notice you re there or you re not there. So if you want to be anonymous, Clarendon s probably not the best place for you. And there s a family vibe, even with people whose names I don t know. They still say hi, or they remember something about me. People looking for a community experience, this is the type of church they want. 8

9 When asked to choose a color that represents their perceptions of CPC, a majority of members chose purple (20%) because it s out of the mainstream, not standard, bold, stands out, a combination of everything, has depth, and represents LGBTQ. Some chose green (13%) because it signifies life and growth, full of life, changing and growing, and feels alive. Similarly, some members chose blue (13%) because they view CPC as tranquil, serene, and/or peaceful. And some chose yellow (13%) because it s warm, cheery, bright, and happy. A slight majority of members say that Clarendon Presbyterian Church is especially good at getting stuff done having an idea and bringing it to fruition. Organizing quickly to respond to a need. Being self-motivating not dependent on David or others to initiate something new. Many members say CPC is especially good at welcoming and caring for others both inside and outside our community. And many members say CPC is especially good at engaging in social justice activities. When asked what they value the most about belonging to Clarendon Presbyterian, a majority of members (58%) say it s the community of members the friendships; supporting one another; sharing struggles and values; feeling a sense of belonging; being made to feel valued and appreciated; learning from others; having a church family; enjoying time together; being with people who are loving, caring and genuine. Others most value the sermons and the practice of Christianity (16%), the nonjudgmental approach to church and worship (7%), CPC as a venue for doing good work in the community (7%), or a variety of other unique aspects (12%). Many members say they were especially glad they re a member of CPC after participating in a political action activity or when a political event occurred (25% said this), or after participating in the immigration and naturalization workshop (18%), or during times of illness or a death (16%), or when they attend worship service on Sunday and leave with a good feeling (11%). (Thirty percent of members described a wide variety of other unique circumstances or combinations of events that didn t fall into a large grouping.) CPC members say there are a variety of people in our community that they believe are in need of help, including: the homeless (49% of members said this), LGBTQ community (40%), immigrants (38%), LGBTQ youth (31%), and people with food insecurity issues (22%). And, generally, they believe that CPC is well-suited to provide help to these groups, though some feel providing more help to immigrants will require us to partner with other organizations and/or learn new skills. Members express interest in continuity our support of AFAC and A-SPAN and pursuing a wide variety of potentially new mission and outreach programs. Most of these tended to group around the following themes: Better utilizing our space. Making space available to groups that align with our mission. Serving as an incubator for certain types of nonprofits. Perhaps creating a center. 9

10 Developing a program to feed people in need and/or prepare/provide food. Filling gaps that exist in current services available through AFAC and other providers. Reaching individuals, families and kids (immigrants, homeless, lower-income/working-class people). Mentoring and creating a safe space for LGBTQ youth. Reaching millennials in Clarendon by providing them with volunteer opportunities to perform meaningful work in our community. Partnering with other organizations to provide support and services to immigrants (legal, undocumented, and DACA residents in Arlington). Learning Spanish and offering ESL classes. Making better use of our sanctuary space. Offering music programs and/or lectures on topics that are relevant in our community and align with our mission. Reaching out to working-class families in Arlington. Offering help and support in an environment that s becoming increasingly more expensive and less accessible, with diminishing Federal support for lower-income and working-class individuals and families. Partnering with the County or other groups to address affordable housing issues. Related Nonprofit Organizations in the Northern Virginia Region During our Internet search for community trends, as well as our interviews with CPC members, we identified the following organizations as groups that CPC might support/continue supporting and/or seek out as potential partners or models. Hunger, Homelessness, and Life Services Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) Arlington Street People s Assistance Network (A-SPAN) Arlington Thrive, emergency financial assistance to Arlington residents. Broad Street Hospitality Collaborative CoC, Arlington County s Continuum of Care (CoC) DOORWAYS for Women and Children Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) One World Everybody Eats Shirlington Education and Empowerment Center (SEEC) 10

11 Immigration and Immigrant Services Ayuda, serving immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan region since 1973 CAIR Capital Area Immigrants Rights Coalition Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington English as a Second Language and Immigrant Ministries (ESLIM) Hogar Immigration Services IMPACTO Just Neighbors (Immigration Legal Services), provides immigration legal services to lowincome immigrants and refugees of all faiths and nationalities. Legal Aid Justice Center (LAJC) Northern Virginia Health Foundation Northern Virginia Family Services Restoration Immigration Legal Aid (RILA) in Northern Virginia U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (Arlington Office) Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights (VCAIR) Virginia Interfaith Center Virginia Latina Advocacy Network LGBTQ Community Arlington Gay and Lesbian Association (AGLA) Equality Virginia GenOut GLAAD (formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) Human Rights Campaign IMPACTO Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League (SMYLE), supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth in the Washington, DC area. During the remainder of April, we ll be interviewing representatives from AFAC, A-SPAN, Arlington County Department of Human Services, IMPACTO and other immigrant support organizations, LGBTQ organizations, and local businesses to identify gaps in services where CPC s gifts and talents might be best leveraged to provide support. We ll then summarize our findings and provide recommendations to Session in early May of specific areas/program ideas that CPC should explore further and consider implementing. Please contact John Gunn at john@urbangardener.biz or with any questions or suggestions. Or feel free to contact any member of the mission discernment team. Thank you for your participation in this process. Stay tuned for more results! 11